CHARLESTON, S.C. – Antonio Davis, who returned to Chicago yesterday to be with his ailing mother-in-law, likely will have his contract bought out by the Knicks.

Davis, 37, was acquired from the Bulls on Monday in the trade that also brought Eddy Curry to the Knicks. Davis reported to training camp and expressed his unhappiness because he didn’t want to leave his family.

Larry Brown said he doesn’t want Davis here if that’s the case. Davis’ wife is a Chicago native.

Isiah Thomas said Davis has no choice, but that’s likely a buyout negotiating ploy. The Bulls will re-sign him if the Knicks buy out a portion of Davis’ expiring contract. Davis is set to make $13.7 million this season.

“I don’t want to stand in his way if he doesn’t feel comfortable,” Brown said of Davis. “I’d be disappointed. But you don’t want somebody who doesn’t want to be here. If it’s not in his best interests, we’ll move on. He’s got to be devastated. He’s got [his wife] and the kids settled there.”

Playing bad cop, Thomas said Davis “has no choice. This isn’t charity.”

Davis’ buyout would leave the Knicks with 14 guaranteed contracts, one less than the maximum allowed. Yesterday’s signee, forward Matt Barnes, a good defender who played for Sacramento and Philadelphia last season, could make the roster.